Orchard Toys announces expansion plans

Five years after the company moved from Nottingham into a purpose-built factory/office unit in Wymondham, it is looking to increase its despatch and storage space by around 50 per cent. Work is hoped to start towards the end of 2010.

Simon Newbery, managing director, commented: “As you can imagine, in the run up to Christmas we have a huge surge of trade which, in previous years, has meant overtime and the need to take on temporary staff.

“We are looking for an expansion of 50 per cent of factory floor space which will allow us to build up and store much higher stock levels over the quieter summer period, in readiness for the rush before Christmas.

"This expansion will take the pressure off staff at key times of the year and allow us to plan ahead more efficiently, ensuring that we have stock available 100 per cent of the time.”

Throughout the last few economically challenging years, Marbel has managed to maintain an impressive rate of growth with existing brands, Plan Toys, I?m Toy, Educo and more, along with newly acquired lines. Katie Roberts chatted to marketing manager Phil Nelson about how he has done it?